Saturday, 19 November 2016

We arrived in Blanchland Forest on a crisp and icy morning for a 4.5 mile walk although there was some debate about this afterward with 8.5 miles being recorded by some fancy device (could that have been km?)

Anne and Mary showed us what attire is on trend for the coming winter

And so we set off.

Blanchland moor had a good covering of snow but fortunately the wind kept down. Having said that, something blew in front of the lens below!

Jackson led the way

Pennypie house is amongst the trees left of centre. This is where Lead miners used to go to get a pie (for a penny)

It often starts to rain when we stop for lunch. This time it sleeted on us but it turned out nice again as we started to pack up.

Some sheeps

It got a bit rough underfoot towards the end

This might make a country retreat for someone

Time for a breather

Did we leave someone behind?

It was agreed that this had been a grand walk. Thanks to Andrea for leading it. We stopped off at the Slayley arms on the way back to warm up.

Monday, 24 October 2016

This is where we ditch our waterproofs and muddy boots and get smartened up. Yes its the third annual autumn dinner. Stella strollers began with a walk around Hulne Park (Alnwick) in September 2013 and what a lot of fun we have had since!
Being someone who probably gives out a lot of certificates, Andrea got one of her own - well done!

The dinner was at the South Causey Inn near Tanfield. Your high society photographer took some snaps but if you want any taken off just let me know!

This is Marie telling it how it is.

At the other end of the table...

Who is this distinguished looking gent?

Kathleen says cheers...

Marion, Ann and..... how did I end up in that picture?

A good night was had. If I get any more pictures I will post them up.
The next walk is on November 19th. I don't know of the location but the list will be put out soon I am sure.

Wednesday, 24 August 2016

Welcome Stella Strollers and friends to the first of what will hopefully be a report of our various excursions.
This month we had a break from the usual trips but a few of us arranged a day out that was somewhat further afield. Andrea, Phillip, Mary, Ken and myself took the minibus over the Pennines to Dufton. On the way we took the scenic route which needed a little imagination due to the thick fog. As we entered Cumbria the mist suddenly cleared and summer arrived!

After a couple of false starts we got on to the Pennine Way making a steady climb towards High Cup Nick.

I forgot to mention that we had two other walkers - Zak the Collie (see above) and Jackson.

Note the sunshine. Not often seen on the Pennine Way I am told!

Yes it was a steady climb. That hill in the background is called Dufton Pike.

We had a stop and I took a portrait of this handsome fellow...

Climbing over and time for lunch. Blowy up there!

On to High Cup Nick which is a glaciated valley and some of the best views on the Pennines.

Some folk on the valley floor. Not sure how they got down there!

One last view before turning back.

This was a 'there and back' walk of ~ 7 miles. There is a longer circular route but if we did that we would have missed afternoon tea at the village post office in Dufton (sorry no photos of that event).

It was more strenuous than the usual Strollers walk but the weather and the fine views made for a great day out.